DEFENSE: Jonathan Fanene and Brandon Deaderick at end, Vince Wilfork and Kyle Love at tackle, Jerod Mayo, Brandon Spikes and Rob Ninkovich at linebacker, Devin McCourty and Kyle Arrington at the corners and Steve Gregory and Patrick Chung at safety.

When the game began, though, there were changes. Branch, Larsen, Fanene and Spikes, all of whom have missed considerable time during training camp, were not in uniform. Donald Thomas started at guard in place of Wendell, Brandon Lloyd started at receiver in place of Branch and Stevan Ridley for Woodhead. The Pats went with two tight ends, so Aaron Hernandez started rather than a second running back.

On defense, the two rookies who have looked so good in camp, Dont'a Hightower and Chandler Jones both started in place of Fanene and Spikes.

The injury concerns the Patriots have had in training camp are made clear by the number of players not in uniform for the game. They include Branch, Sebastian Vollmer, Logan Mankins and Brian Waters from the offense and Jonathan Fanene and Spikes from the defense.